The Indian Pacific check in at Perth was supremely easy and we were very pleased to be afforded an exceptionally efficient concierge service on board.
As the journey commenced i really did not know what to expect but what i did find was the need to take on board the extreme vastness of the wilderness otherwise known as the " Australian Outback". Yes; of course i had ideas of seeing kangaroos, Ferrel Camel, Emu's and Dingo's..not least sheep! but what i also saw was mile after mile of harsh landscape in soaring temperatures. Passing through mile upon mile of nothing until we reached our first stop : Kalgoorie, where we were afforded time off the train to stretch our legs and tour this goldmining town..
Next stop, the small town of Cook which now accomodates only four people and whose commitment and dedication to ensure safe passage of the train through to Adelaide is commendable to say the least.
Leaving the train at Sydney I thought of nothing other than how on earth people who choose to live in the outback: maintain contact with the larger townships? We have all heard of the Royal Flying Doctors and the outback radio education service but i also realised how fantastic it would be to offer PAMS to those living in the remote areas i had travelled through in the passage from Western Australia through Southern Australia into New South Wales. Instead of waiting for their post mail for anytime between three to seven days: PAMS would give them access within 24 hours,never missing another important appointment or notice again.
The journey lasted three days and my everlasting memory will undoubtably be the one solitary figure of a man: stood at his station along side the train track in the middle of no-where, that's dedication!